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I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun #5234006 08/04/14 01:29 PM
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Sparky45 Offline OP
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I have some concerns of course because I want to be ethical. My land is small open clearings with sparse cedars and steep canyons with thick oak and brush so I can have shots from 150 yards or as close as 50 yards.

I wouldn't consider a shot with a handgun at over 80 yards or so unless I was very confident

Some of the questions I have are, could a 357 Mag work or would I need to move to a 44 Mag? Is a 7 inch + barrel the standard for this type of shooting?
I am thinking of a Super Redhawk with a quality scope. My budget is around $1000 but I could go over a little if need be.


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Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: Sparky45] #5234047 08/04/14 01:50 PM
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I want to do the same thing. I will Bowhunt mostly, but I want to do the pistol thing. I'm looking at the S&W 460 XVR.

Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: Sparky45] #5234069 08/04/14 02:02 PM
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I went with a Encore pistol in .308 also have a .223 barrel that would work.

Bought the stock and .308 rifle barrel so now I have 3 guns in one.

Haven't got to shoot a deer with it yet but it worked great on a hog.


.357 has GOT to be as deadly as a bow.....




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ATTENTION: Your decision should NEVER be based SOLELY upon my advice, recomendation, or opinion.
Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: Sparky45] #5234078 08/04/14 02:06 PM
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JFYI - If you're really serious and want to shoot out a little further think about a Thompson Contender.....

I have a G2 with 14" 35rem, 16" .223, and 10" 44mag barrels.

I've popped deer at 125 with the 35rem and a few hogs at 100 with the .223!

Here's a list of barrels available for the thing...

http://www.tcarms.com/firearms/interchangeable-platforms/g2-contender#barrels

Many moons ago I hunted with a S&W Mod 29 .44 mag 8 3/8" bbl and a Colt Python .357 with a 6" bbl. They worked OK on the closer shots, but the Contender is awesome & versatile.


HnF

"Prayer is when you talk to the Lord, Meditation is when you listen to what he says"
Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: Sparky45] #5234098 08/04/14 02:12 PM
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Id say go for it with the 357 and work on your min distance. Im sure you could bow hunt on your place and that means likely less than 50 yards shot opportunities.

I love trying new hunting methods. Have scoped rifles iron site rifles, pistols, bow, muzzleloader, and might have a crossbow some day. For me I always try to simplify it the first time. Shot my first deer with the muzzleloader at 30 yards. Shot my first bow kill at 15-20. Start easy build skill and confidence, then stretch it out if you want. I would start the pistol hunting like you would bow hunting 20-30 yards.


It's hell eatin em live
Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: Sparky45] #5234108 08/04/14 02:17 PM
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I like to hunt with mine from time to time. I use a 44 mag and an xp100 in 221 fireball.


Good is the enemy of Great
Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: Sparky45] #5234113 08/04/14 02:19 PM
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One thing for sure. Just like bow hunting, standard pistol hunting will sure sharpen your skills with regard to "sneaking" up on critters! up


HnF

"Prayer is when you talk to the Lord, Meditation is when you listen to what he says"
Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: Sparky45] #5234155 08/04/14 02:43 PM
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Been there and still hunt with handguns.

The 357Mag will work but I keep it inside 50 yards from a pistol and 125 yards with the carbine. Bullets for it my favorite is the 180gr Partition which is getting hard to find since Nosler discontinued it. 6 inch barrel works fine for inside 50 yards. 44 special and 45LC with heavy hard cast bullets also will work well inside 50 yards, especially with the bullets with large meplats.

357 Max, 41 and 44 mag are where very effective revolver hunting rounds start and are effective on whitetails to 100 yards or more, again I like a 6 inch or longer barrel. Thought about getting a 460 S@W but really see no need since the 357Max and 44Mag are accurate with enough energy to go past my effective range with revolvers

Semi auto some above are available in the Desert Eagle, the 10mm also has a following.

TC Contenders/Encores are another route as are others chambered in rifle rounds work very well and can be very accurate and deliver enough energy for shots much further than most of us should be shooting.

Inside 50 yards open sights and red dots I have used with good results but beyond that I want a scope. One thing on pistol scopes the field of view is small and eye relief is even more finicky than rifle scopes so plan on practicing target acquisition is a must. I like variables in the 2-6 range but some do wear fixed 2X scopes.

For carrying I like either a sling or shoulder holster. Sling carry for the Contenders for sure and it can be used for steadier off hand shooting.

Speaking of shooting, shoot often and practice shooting from field positions to learn your limitations and stay within them when hunting.

Just rambling from my experiences your mileage may vary.


lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true
Mainstream news might be fun to watch
Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: Sparky45] #5234480 08/04/14 06:09 PM
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Here's a tip. Don't stick a .44 out the narrow window of a box blind and squeeze the trigger. I heard when it kicks up and your arm hits the top of the window frame it'll feel like your arm is broke and you might drop your gun a scream like girl, I heard.

Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: Sparky45] #5234600 08/04/14 07:25 PM
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Go buy the gun that Charles Bronson used to shoot all those rapists and thugs with

I think it was a .455 webley


For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: txtrophy85] #5234753 08/04/14 08:48 PM
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up thinken bout using me New Orleans Ace on a hog hunt this year flag



i'm postaddic
Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: cmc] #5235012 08/04/14 11:11 PM
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Originally Posted By: cmc
Here's a tip. Don't stick a .44 out the narrow window of a box blind and squeeze the trigger. I heard when it kicks up and your arm hits the top of the window frame it'll feel like your arm is broke and you might drop your gun a scream like girl, I heard.


You heard........ roflmao


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Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: Sparky45] #5235210 08/05/14 12:50 AM
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I hunt with a Smith model 65 357magnum four inch barrel , fixed sights old cop gun . I have killed a spike last year at 35 yards , the year before that an 8 pointer at 20 , and a bunch of hogs at various distance's . I use cheap federal 158 grain jacked soft points , and hunt out of a bow blind . It's all about shot placement.

Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: Sparky45] #5235449 08/05/14 02:22 AM
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I have been looking for a Colt "whitetailer" or "anaconda" for just this purpose.

They are cool guns IMHO

especially looking for one in camo - they only made it 2 years I think.

Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: Sparky45] #5235528 08/05/14 02:59 AM
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I've got a Ruger 454 that I use. Don't hunt a whole lot with it, but I've shot a few critters, and it sure does thump 'em. I'm thinking about sending it off for some custom work to fine tune the accuracy and looks. I'd like to mount an RMR on it.

Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: John Humbert] #5236060 08/05/14 02:37 PM
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Originally Posted By: John Humbert
I have been looking for a Colt "whitetailer" or "anaconda" for just this purpose.

They are cool guns IMHO

especially looking for one in camo - they only made it 2 years I think.


whew.. get your checkbook out..


The only easy day was yesterday

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Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: texdexters] #5236068 08/05/14 02:43 PM
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Originally Posted By: texdexters
I hunt with a Smith model 65 357magnum four inch barrel , fixed sights old cop gun . I have killed a spike last year at 35 yards , the year before that an 8 pointer at 20 , and a bunch of hogs at various distance's . I use cheap federal 158 grain jacked soft points , and hunt out of a bow blind . It's all about shot placement.


I have a very accurate Smith 686, 6 inch. I could find an aftermarket clamp style mount for it and use a decent red dot if I kept it around 40-50 yards I guess.


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Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: Sparky45] #5236091 08/05/14 02:56 PM
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I'm also thinking about getting a S&W 627. Always wanted a .357, and I sure like that one.

Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: Sparky45] #5236113 08/05/14 03:10 PM
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I've killed a few hogs with a .40 and a 9mm

A 10mm will be suitable if you like semi autos


For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: Sparky45] #5236178 08/05/14 03:50 PM
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I've been working for several months now with my 45 Colt revolvers. With Ruger ONLY loads in my NMBH I am getting 6" groups at 50 yards with the factory sights. One of my favorite stands is a 50 yard shot at max, most are around 40.

Also been working with my Uberti in 45 Colt. Very confident to 25 yards with it with several standard loads. Am getting 9" groups at 50 with this one.

The work has been fun and I am looking forward to hunting with either one this year. The Uberti us my carry any time I'm out gun while with the Ruger, I will likely leave the rifles at home (or maybe in camp).

Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: Sparky45] #5236245 08/05/14 04:45 PM
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Originally Posted By: Sparky45
Originally Posted By: John Humbert
I have been looking for a Colt "whitetailer" or "anaconda" for just this purpose.

They are cool guns IMHO

especially looking for one in camo - they only made it 2 years I think.


whew.. get your checkbook out..


Yeah, they're are a collectible as well as a very functional gun - so that's why they're pricey. However, even with the 8" barrel they still look like a pistol and are very accurate with tight groups out to 40 yards. From what I've heard, they start to drift past that quickly and at 50 yards it's more like 6-8" groups.

They're are options that give better performance and longer range, but to me, they begin to look like hand-held mini-rifles than traditional pistols / but theres no denying the performance.

On the other hand, I've done pigs with my Glock 23, and watched a guy drop a doe at about 25 yards with a Glock similar to mine.

If/when I get my colt, it will be primarily a pig or doe gun.

Incidentally, one of the gutsiest things I ever saw was a dude taking an elephant with a .500 handgun at .....wait for it...... Only 7 yards!!!!! Frontal brain shot.

Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: txtrophy85] #5236391 08/05/14 06:13 PM
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Try the LONE EAGLE in .308. its a single shot made by desert eagle

Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: Sparky45] #5236393 08/05/14 06:15 PM
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Lone eagle .308

Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: John Humbert] #5236766 08/05/14 09:09 PM
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Originally Posted By: John Humbert


Incidentally, one of the gutsiest things I ever saw was a dude taking an elephant with a .500 handgun at .....wait for it...... Only 7 yards!!!!! Frontal brain shot.


Probably using his "grande cajones" for a rest!


HnF

"Prayer is when you talk to the Lord, Meditation is when you listen to what he says"
Re: I'm thinking of whitetail hunting with a hand gun [Re: cmc] #5236773 08/05/14 09:14 PM
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Originally Posted By: cmc
Here's a tip. Don't stick a .44 out the narrow window of a box blind and squeeze the trigger. I heard when it kicks up and your arm hits the top of the window frame it'll feel like your arm is broke and you might drop your gun a scream like girl, I heard.


On the other hand if you're in a blind with a 14" TC in 35rem, it's a good idea to make sure the muzzle is ALL the way outside the window before touching it off......

Them little "stick in your ear" protectors on a string ain't worth a durn, better use a good pair of mouse ears.


HnF

"Prayer is when you talk to the Lord, Meditation is when you listen to what he says"
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